Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing is announcing the return of its Sales Academy, which is designed to attract new and diverse talent into the sector. Now in its third iteration, the company is looking to recruit 10 new sales trainees across the UK who will specialise in one of a number of sectors. The academy provides full and intensive training, comprising classroom-based learning, mentoring and practical ‘on-the-job’ training. Following their training period, successful applicants will concentrate on building a customer base, territory and business plan, with full assistance from a mentor.

For further information
www.closeassetfinance.co.uk

Bowers Group is making a series of changes to its UK sales team, including the appointment of Ryan Kingswell as UK sales manager and Patrick Curry as technical product manager. Furthermore, southeast sales manager Stephen Maughan will take on the additional responsibility of national accounts manager, while central east sales manager Dan Beaulieu will become the country manager for Ireland as part of his extended role. Deputy managing director Martin Hawkins says: “It’s great to see the team progress into new roles and responsibilities; a true testament to their dedication, knowledge and success.”

For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

To underpin its supply of integrated CAM software to the UK market with support for turn-mill and sliding-head technology, SolidCAM UK has become a technical member of the British Turned Parts Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA). As well as employing sliding-head technical experts at its technology centre, SolidCAM UK has recently installed a new Star SR-38 Type B sliding-head turning centre, which is now an integral asset in delivering support to BTMA members. SolidCAM runs directly inside SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor, with seamless integration and full tool-path associativity.

For further information
www.solidcamuk.com

Tooling specialist Cutwel is celebrating its 25th anniversary by revealing a forward-looking rebrand to better reflect its values and company image. Cutwel has a turnover of £20m (up from £11m five years ago) and employs 83 staff at its headquarters in Cleckheaton. The company is now on track to grow a further £15m in the next five years (£35m total). To mark the anniversary and demonstrate its commitment to the community, Cutwel will be donating £1000 to four charities chosen by staff: Andy’s Man Club, Kirkwood Hospice, Martin House Hospice and Yorkshire Dog Rescue.

For further information
www.cutwel.co.uk

Belgrave & Powell, a specialist engineering services group, has acquired 100% of the shares of Birmingham-based Sharpe Tooling Ltd. The acquisition will form part of Belgrave & Powell’s Machine Technology Group (MTG) in Preston. Sharpe Tooling, which specialises in bend die tooling, has relocated to Preston with the creation of six additional jobs in high-precision toolmaking and further investment by the group in capital equipment. The acquisition, the terms of which are undisclosed, represents the 5th SME deal by Belgrave and Powell within the past 18 months.

For further information www.belgrave-powell.com